Modular Device with Solar Power Supply

ABSTRACT

Various modular systems including a power unit are shown. In one example, a power unit includes a solar panel, a power storage device and one or more power outlet interfaces. One of the surfaces of the power unit includes a coupling mechanism that permits that power unit to couple with modular storage units. In one embodiment, the modular system includes a frame and wheels coupled to the frame to permit the power unit to be more easily transported.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of International ApplicationNo. PCT/US2021/050846, filed Sep. 17, 2021, which claims the benefit ofand priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/086,944, filed onOct. 2, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of modular utilitymodules. The present disclosure relates specifically to a modular,portable, utility module with a solar power supply.

Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and toolaccessories. Some storage units are designed to incorporate into amodular storage system. Within a modular storage system, differentunits, devices and/or containers may provide varying functions, such asbeing adapted to provide power from solar energy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a modular system including aframe, a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame, a solar arraydetachably coupled to the frame, a first utility module coupled to theframe, and a second utility module coupled to the first utility module.The second utility module includes a power tool battery interfaceconfigured to physically couple with a rechargeable power tool batterythat receives power from the solar array.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a modular systemincluding a first utility module, a solar array configured to detachablycouple to the first utility module, and a second utility module coupledto the first utility module. The first utility module includes a housingdefining a first width and a first depth perpendicular to the firstwidth, and an electrical system. The solar array is electrically coupledto the electrical system. The solar array is configured to actuatebetween an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration smallerthan the expanded configuration. When the solar array is arranged in theexpanded configuration, the solar array defines a second width and asecond depth more than twice the first width and the first depth of thefirst utility module, respectively. The second utility module includes apower tool battery interface configured to physically couple with arechargeable power tool battery that receives power from the solararray.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a modular systemincluding a first utility module comprising a housing comprising a topsurface, a solar array, and a second utility module coupled to the firstutility module. The first utility module includes a first plurality ofcoupling components located along the top surface. The solar array isconfigured to actuate between an expanded configuration and a contractedconfiguration smaller than the expanded configuration. The solar arrayincludes a second plurality of coupling components configured todetachably engage with the first plurality of coupling components of thefirst utility module such that the solar array in the contractedconfiguration is removeably coupled to the first utility module. Thesecond utility module includes a power tool battery interface configuredto physically couple with a rechargeable power tool battery thatreceives power from the solar array.

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a modular system including afirst utility module, a second utility module, and a solar array. Thefirst utility module includes a first plurality of coupling componentsextending from the housing. The first utility module defines a firstwidth and a first depth. The solar array actuates between an expandedconfiguration and a retracted configuration having a surface area lessthan a surface area of the expanded configuration. When the solar arrayis arranged in the expanded configuration, the solar array defines asecond width and a second depth more than twice the first width and thefirst depth of the first utility module, respectively. The secondutility module includes a second plurality of coupling componentsconfigured to detachably couple with the first plurality of couplingcomponents.

In a specific embodiment, the modular system includes a frame coupled tothe first utility module, a handle extending from the frame, and aninterface configured to couple the solar panel to the handle. In aspecific embodiment, the solar panel is pivotally coupled to the framevia the handle. In a specific embodiment, the modular system includes apower tool battery interface configured to physically couple with arechargeable power tool battery, the power tool battery interface beingelectrically coupled to the solar panel and configured to receive powerfrom the solar panel and provide the power to the rechargeable powertool battery.

In a specific embodiment, the power tool battery interface is housed inthe second utility module. In a specific embodiment, the modular systemincludes a power converter, and the power tool battery interfacereceives power from the solar panel via the power converter. In aspecific embodiment, the power converter is housed in the first utilitymodule. In a specific embodiment, the modular system includes anelectrical system that generates a signal indicating a preferredorientation of the solar panel. In a specific embodiment, the signal isgenerated based at least in part on GPS data. In a specific embodiment,the modular system includes a battery electrically coupled to the solarpanel and configured to receive power from the solar panel. In aspecific embodiment, the modular system includes a plurality of poweroutlets configured to provide power received from the battery, such as aUSB-compatible power outlet.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a utility moduleincluding a housing, a first plurality of coupling components, anelectrical system, a solar array, and a power tool battery interfaceconfigured to physically couple with a rechargeable power tool battery.The first plurality of coupling components are located along the uppersurface of the housing and are configured to couple the utility moduleto a second utility module. The solar array is electrically coupled tothe electrical system. The solar array can be actuated between anexpanded configuration and a retracted configuration having a surfacearea less than a surface area of the expanded configuration.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription, which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the description or recognized bypracticing the embodiments as described in the written descriptionincluded, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood thatboth the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understandingand are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles and operation of the variousembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosedherein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice,embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile modular power system, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile modular power system of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the solar array of the mobile modular powersystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the mobile modular powersystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the electrical system of the mobilemodular power system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mobile modular power system of FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the mobile modular power system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mobile modular power system of FIG.1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a two of the mobile modular power systemof FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a mobilemodular power system are shown. The modular system includes a firstutility module and a solar array. The solar array is expandable andretractable. When retracted, the solar array generally fits within thefootprint of the modular system, thereby facilitating its transport. Thefirst utility module includes one or more components that distributepower, such as one or more battery interfaces for rechargeable powertool batteries, one or more power outlets, such as USB-compatibleoutlets, and/or an internal battery to temporarily store power receivedfrom the solar array. In some embodiments, the modular system is mobile,such as via the housing being coupled to a frame with wheels. Applicanthas observed that finding a power supply at some construction work sitescan be problematic. The power unit described herein provides a powersupply that integrates with a modular storage unit system, such as theMilwaukee PACKOUT™ modular storage unit, providing users the ability tomore easily carry a power supply and one or more modular tool storageunits to a location, such as a construction site, without access to adifferent power supply, such as hardwired power, gas generator, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, various aspects of a modular system, shown asmobile modular power system 70, are shown. In a specific embodiment,mobile modular power system 70 includes frame 72, a plurality of wheels76 coupled to frame 72, solar array 40 detachably and pivotally coupledto the frame 72, and one or more utility modules, shown as first utilitymodule 10, second utility module 80, and third utility module 90. In thearrangement shown, first utility module 10 is coupled to frame 72 andwheels 76, thereby facilitating moving first utility module 10. In aspecific embodiment, first utility module 10 is a power device,container with power, and/or a power unit.

The term “utility module” as used herein in its broad meaning and ismeant to denote a variety of articles such as, storage containers,travel luggage, tool boxes, organizers, compacted work benches, cablestorage, communication modules, carrying platforms, locomotionplatforms, etc., of any shape and size, and wherein any utility modulecan be detachably couple to any other utility module. In a specificembodiment, the one or more utility modules described herein incorporatecoupling components that are compatible with the coupling mechanism(s)described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/044629,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

First utility module 10 includes housing 12, upper surface 14 of housing12, and a fourth plurality of coupling components 16 extending fromupper surface 14 of housing 12. Fourth plurality of coupling components16 are configured to removeably couple first utility module 10 to secondutility module 80 and/or third utility module 90.

Handle 74 is coupled to frame 72 and extends from frame 72. In aspecific embodiment, handle 74 is slideably coupled to the frame 72 suchthat the handle 74 extends from the frame 72. Solar array 40 isdetachably and pivotally coupled to handle 74. Solar array 40 can beactuated between an expanded configuration 44 (FIG. 2) and a retractedconfiguration 46 (FIG. 1) smaller than the expanded configuration 44(e.g., having a surface area 45 less than a surface area 47 of theexpanded configuration 44). In the retracted configuration 46 (FIG. 1),solar panels 54 are stacked vertically on top of each other and abovefirst utility module 10, second utility module 80, and third utilitymodule 90. In a specific embodiment, handle 74 is telescoping, therebyproviding greater flexibility for positioning and orienting solar array40, which is coupled to handle 74.

Solar array 40 is configured to detachably engage to the first utilitymodule 10, the second utility module 80, or the third utility module 90.Solar array 40 includes a fifth plurality of coupling components 52,which are located at a top surface 59 of solar array 40 when arranged inthe retracted configuration 46. Solar array 40 includes a thirdplurality of coupling components 51, which are located at a bottomsurface 57 of solar array 40 opposite the upper surface when solar array40 is arranged in the retracted configuration 46. Third plurality ofcoupling components 51 and fifth plurality of coupling components 52 aresimilar in structure and function to the other modular couplingcomponents described herein. In various embodiments, the third pluralityof coupling components 51 are configured to engage with the secondplurality of coupling components 82 of the second utility module 80. Invarious embodiments, the third plurality of coupling components 51 areconfigured to engage with the fourth plurality of coupling components 16of the first utility module 10 such that the solar array 40 in thecontracted configuration is removeably coupled to the first utilitymodule 10.

Solar array 40 includes one or more solar cells 42, which are exposedwhen solar array 40 is in arranged in the expanded configuration 44.Solar cells 42 convert light, such as sunlight, into electricity that isdistributed via the electrical system 18 (described below). Solar array40 is pivotally coupled to handle 74 via interface 50. Interface 50permits solar array 40 to pivot with respect to handle 74 therebyadjusting direction 48 that solar array 40 is facing. For example, solararray 40 can be arranged at the desired orientation, and then a supportstructure (e.g., a support pole) can be extended between solar array 40and one or more of coupling apertures 78 in frame 72 and/or handle 74.The plurality of coupling apertures 78 in frame 72 and/or handle 74provide support for a corresponding plurality of orientations of solararray 40.

In a specific embodiment solar array 40 is formed from a materialincluding riveted or bent aluminum, thereby providing lighter weight andimproved rigidity compared to other materials.

Second utility module 80 includes top surface 85 opposite bottom surface81 and second plurality of coupling components 82, which extend upwardlyfrom top surface 85 of second utility module 80. Third utility module 90includes sixth plurality of coupling components 92, which extendupwardly from an upper surface of third utility module 90. In a specificembodiment, both second utility module 80 and third utility module 90are configured to detachably couple with other modular utility modulesattached to their respective upper surfaces.

In various embodiments, second plurality of coupling components 82 arestructurally the same as sixth plurality of coupling components 92. In aspecific embodiment, second plurality of coupling components 82 includesfour coupling components including a front row of at least two couplingcomponents 82 aligned with each other in a direction 88 parallel to afront face 86 of the second utility module 80 and a rear row of at leasttwo coupling components 82 aligned with each other in the direction 88parallel to the front face 86 of the second utility module 80. Invarious embodiments, each of the plurality of coupling componentsrecited herein are arranged similar to this arrangement of secondplurality of coupling components 82 on second utility module 80 (e.g,fourth plurality of coupling components 16 includes four couplingcomponents 16 including a front row of at least two coupling components16 aligned with each other in a direction parallel to a front face ofthe first utility module 10 and a rear row of at least two couplingcomponents 16 aligned with each other in the direction parallel to thefront face of the first utility module 10).

Mobile modular power system 70 includes one or more power tool batteryinterfaces 26. In a specific embodiment, second utility module 80includes the one or more power tool battery interfaces 26, which arehoused within second utility module 80. The one or more power toolbattery interfaces 26 configured to physically couple to a rechargeablepower tool battery 28, and are electrically coupled to solar array 40and receive power from the solar array 40. The one or more power toolbattery interfaces 26 are configured to receive power from the solararray 40 and provide the received power to the rechargeable power toolbattery 28. In various embodiments power tool battery interfaces 26 areconfigured to work one or more types of power tool batteries (e.g., M18™power tool battery, a 12 V lithium ion power tool battery, such as anM12™ power tool battery, etc.).

First utility module 10 includes a housing 12 defining a first width 60and a first depth 62 perpendicular to first width 60. When configured inthe expanded configuration 44, solar array 40 defines a second width 64and a second depth 66. In a specific embodiment, second width 64 andsecond depth 66 of solar array 40 are more than twice the first width 60and first depth 62 of first utility module 10, respectively, and morespecifically second width 64 and second depth 66 of solar array 40 aremore than three times the first width 60 and first depth 62 of firstutility module 10, respectively.

Turning to FIGS. 3-4, in a specific embodiment, solar array 40 includesa plurality of adjustment mechanisms, shown as hinges 56. Hinges 56permit solar panels 54 to be folded together (FIG. 1) or expanded apart(FIG. 2). Solar array 40 is pivotally coupled to handle 74 via interface50, thereby allowing solar array 40 to be pivoted with respect to frame72 and handle 74.

Turning to FIG. 5, various aspects of electrical system 18 are shown.Mobile modular power system 70 includes an electrical system 18distributed across one or more utility modules. In a specificembodiment, first utility module 10 includes electrical system 18. Solararray 40 includes one or more solar panels. Solar array 40 iselectrically coupled to solar array 40, such as via power converter 30.In a specific embodiment, power converter 30 transforms the powerreceived from solar array 40 into a tightly regulated DC output, whichis provided to the rest of electrical system 18. In a specificembodiment, power tool battery interface 26 receives the power from thesolar array 40 via the power converter 30, the power converter 30transforms the power received from the solar array 40, and transmits thetransformed power to the power tool battery interface 26. Powerconverter 30 is electrically coupled to charging devices, shown ascharge engines 32, which are electrically coupled to rechargeable powertool batteries 28. In a specific embodiment, power converter 30 iselectrically coupled to charge engine 32 via integrated connectors 58(e.g., electrical connection points integrated into exterior(s) of firstutility module 10 and/or second utility module 80). In use, rechargeablepower tool batteries 28 receive power from charge engines 32, whichreceive power from solar array 40 via power converter 30.

In a specific embodiment, first utility module 10 includes battery 20that stores electrical energy received from solar array 40. Powerconverter 30 is electrically coupled to an energy storage system, shownas battery 20. In a specific embodiment, battery 20 is semi-permanentlycoupled to mobile modular power system 70 (e.g., battery 20 can beremoved, but it is more difficult to decouple battery 20 from mobilemodular power system 70 than it is to decouple rechargeable power toolbatteries 28 from mobile modular power system 70, which designed to bequickly coupled and decoupled from mobile modular power system 70). Invarious embodiments, battery 20 of mobile modular power system 70includes a bank of batteries, one or more super-capacitors, etc. Thecapacity of batteries 20 within mobile modular power system 70 can beincreased by adding utility modules with additional energy storagecapacity (e.g., utility modules with batteries 20). In a specificembodiment, rechargeable power tool batteries 28 and battery 20 arecoupled to electrical system 18 in parallel. In another embodiment, oneor more of rechargeable power tool batteries 28 and battery 20 arecoupled to electrical system 18 in series.

User interface 38 is electrically coupled to electrical system 18, suchas via power converter 30. User interface 38 provides various output tousers, such as power being input to mobile modular power system 70,power being output by mobile modular power system 70, energy storagecapacity, and/or the status. In a specific embodiment, the indication ofpower being input to mobile modular power system 70 reflects the amountof power being input from solar array 40, and/or other external sourcesof power (e.g., an electrical wall outlet providing power to mobilemodular power system 70, another mobile modular power system 70,receiving other renewable energies such as from wind turbines, RF energyharvesters, wave powered generators, electromechanical generators,etc.). In a specific embodiment, the indication of power being outputreflects the power being output to rechargeable power tool batteries 28,to power outlets 34, described more fully below, and/or other outputs ofpower. In a specific embodiment, the indication of energy storagecapacity reflects the power currently stored in battery 20 and/orrechargeable power tool batteries 28.

In a specific embodiment, electrical system 18 generates a signal thatindicates a preferred orientation or adjustment of solar array 40 toincrease power being provided by solar array 40, and user interface 38generates a notification to the user indicating the preferredorientation or adjustment (e.g., user interface 38 displays a message tothe user). In a specific embodiment, that signal is generated based atleast in part on GPS data, (e.g., via the location of the mobile modularpower system 70, such as determined via a GPS system). In a specificembodiment, that signal is generated based at least in part on GPS data,such as received from GPS receiver 39, and the day and time the signalis being generated.

In a specific embodiment, mobile modular power system 70 includes aradio 36. Radio 36 is electrically coupled to electrical system 18, suchas via power converter 30. In a specific embodiment, radio 36 has AMfunctionality, FM functionality, Bluetooth functionality, and/or otherwireless communications functionality.

In various embodiments, electrical system 18 is distributed across aplurality of utility modules. For example, in a specific embodiment,first utility module 10 includes and houses power converter 30, userinterface 38, and/or battery 20, and second utility module 80 includesand houses rechargeable power tool batteries 28 and charge engines 32.

Turning to FIGS. 6-8, various other aspects of mobile modular powersystem 70 are shown. Third utility module 90 is coupled to a top offirst utility module 10 next to second utility module 80. Third utilitymodule 90 includes sixth plurality of coupling components 92 extendingfrom a top surface of third utility module 90. In a specific embodiment,one or more of first utility module 10, second utility module 80 andthird utility module 90 include an internal storage compartment.

First utility module 10 includes one or more temperature managementmechanisms, shown as louvers 24. Louvers 24 can be selectively closed oropen to help regulate temperature within first utility module 10. Forexample, in hot weather louvers 24 may be opened to permit air flowthrough louvers 24 thereby reducing the buildup of heat within firstutility module 10, whereas in cold weather louvers 24 may be closed tohelp retain any heat within first utility module 10, such as heat beinggenerated by elements of electrical system 18.

As described above, in a specific embodiment, battery 20 issemi-permanently coupled to mobile modular power system 70, such aswithin first utility module 10. Electronic temperature control system 22helps regulate temperature of mobile modular power system 70, such as byregulating the temperature of first utility module 10. In a specificembodiment, electronic temperature control system 22 includes a coolingmechanism (such as an air conditioning system) and/or a warmingmechanism to regulate the temperature of first utility module 10. Forexample, the temperature of first utility module 10 may be regulated tohelp improve the operating efficiency of battery 20 when battery 20 isstoring energy, when battery 20 is receiving power, and/or when battery20 is distributing power.

As noted above, first utility module 10, second utility module 80 andthird utility module 90 are detachably coupled together. Second utilitymodule 80 includes bottom surface 81 and first plurality of couplingcomponents 84 extending from a bottom surface 81. In one configuration,first plurality of coupling components 84 detachably couple with fourthplurality of coupling components 16 extending from a top of firstutility module 10 thereby detachably engaging second utility module 80to first utility module 10, and plurality of coupling components 94extending from a bottom of third utility module 90 detachably couplewith fourth plurality of coupling components 16 extending from a top offirst utility module 10 (FIG. 7).

Turning to FIG. 8, various aspects of solar array 40 are shown. Firstutility module 10 defines a first width 60 and a first depth 62perpendicular to first width 60. When stowed in the retractedconfiguration 46, solar array 40 defines a third width 67 and a thirddepth 68 and is sized to generally fit in the footprint of first utilitymodule 10 and/or mobile modular power system 70. In a specificembodiment, at least one of first width 60 and first depth 62 of firstutility module 10 is plus or minus 20% of the third width 67 and thirddepth 68 of solar array 40, respectively, and more specifically plus orminus 10%, and more specifically plus or minus 5%. In a specificembodiment, both first width 60 and first depth 62 of first utilitymodule 10 are plus or minus 20% of the third width 67 and third depth 68of solar array 40, respectively, and more specifically plus or minus10%, and more specifically plus or minus 5%.

First utility module 10 includes one or more power outlets 34. In aspecific embodiment, at least one of power outlets 34 is an interfacesimilar to a wall outlet. In a specific embodiment, at least one ofpower outlets 34 is a USB-compatible interface.

Turning to FIG. 9, in another embodiment two or more mobile modularpower systems 70 work together to provide an expanded capacity via anarray of mobile modular power systems 70. For example, a first of themobile modular power systems 70 is electrically coupled to a second ofthe mobile modular power systems 70, thereby providing an increasedamount of power being produced from solar energy (e.g., double theenergy), an increased battery capacity, an increased number of poweroutlets, etc.

In another embodiment, mobile modular power system 70 includes a singleutility module, first utility module 10, which includes one or more theelements described herein (e.g., all of electrical system 18 is locatedwithin first utility module 10 rather than distributed across multipleutility modules).

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for description purposes only andshould not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, thearticle “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, andis not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein,“rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a mannersuch that the components move together in a fixed positionalrelationship when acted upon by a force.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of anyof the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed inthis or future applications. Any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilizedalone or in combination with any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the other embodiments discussed above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular system comprising: a frame; a pluralityof wheels coupled to the frame; a solar array detachably coupled to theframe; a first utility module coupled to the frame; and a second utilitymodule coupled to the first utility module, the second utility modulecomprising a power tool battery interface configured to physicallycouple with a rechargeable power tool battery that receives power fromthe solar array.
 2. The modular system of claim 1, the second utilitymodule comprising: a bottom surface; and a first plurality of couplingcomponents extending from the bottom surface, the first plurality ofcoupling components configured to couple the second utility module tothe first utility module.
 3. The modular system of claim 2, wherein thefirst plurality of coupling components comprise four coupling componentscomprising a front row of at least two coupling components aligned witheach other in a direction parallel to a front face of the second utilitymodule and a rear row of at least two coupling components aligned witheach other in the direction parallel to the front face of the secondutility module.
 4. The modular system of claim 2, the second utilitymodule comprising: a top surface opposite the bottom surface; and asecond plurality of coupling components extending from the top surface,the second plurality of coupling components configured to couple thesecond utility module to the solar array, the second plurality ofcoupling components comprising four coupling components comprising afront row of at least two coupling components aligned with each other ina direction parallel to a front face of the second utility module and arear row of at least two coupling components aligned with each other inthe direction parallel to the front face of the second utility module.5. The modular system of claim 4, the solar array comprising a thirdplurality of coupling components, the third plurality of couplingcomponents configured to engage with the second plurality of couplingcomponents of the second utility module.
 6. The modular system of claim2, the first utility module comprising: a top surface; and a fourthplurality of coupling components extending from the top surface, thefourth plurality of coupling components configured to removeably couplethe first utility module to the second utility module.
 7. The modularsystem of claim 6, the first utility module comprising a battery thatstores electrical energy.
 8. The modular system of claim 1, the modularsystem comprising a power converter, the power tool battery interfacereceiving the power from the solar panel via the power converter, thepower converter transforming the power received from the solar panel andtransmitting the transformed power to the power tool battery interface.9. A modular system comprising: a first utility module comprising ahousing defining a first width and a first depth perpendicular to thefirst width, and an electrical system; a solar array configured todetachably couple to the first utility module, the solar arrayelectrically coupled to the electrical system, wherein the solar arrayis configured to actuate between an expanded configuration and acontracted configuration smaller than the expanded configuration, whenthe solar array is arranged in the expanded configuration, the solararray defines a second width and a second depth more than twice thefirst width and the first depth of the first utility module,respectively; and a second utility module coupled to the first utilitymodule, the second utility module comprising a power tool batteryinterface configured to physically couple with a rechargeable power toolbattery that receives power from the solar array.
 10. The modular systemof claim 9, the electrical system configured to generate a signal thatindicates a preferred orientation of the solar array.
 11. The modularsystem of claim 10, wherein the signal that indicates a preferredorientation of the solar array is based at least in part on GPS data.12. The modular system of claim 9 comprising a frame, the solar arraypivotally coupled to the frame.
 13. The modular system of claim 12,comprising a handle coupled to the frame, wherein the solar array iscoupled to the frame via the solar array being coupled to the handle.14. The modular system of claim 13, wherein the handle is slideablycoupled to the frame such that the handle extends from the frame. 15.The modular system of claim 9, the first utility module comprising a topsurface and a first plurality of coupling components extending from thetop surface, the first plurality of coupling components comprising fourcoupling components comprising a front row of at least two couplingcomponents aligned with each other in a direction parallel to a frontface of the first utility module and a rear row of at least two couplingcomponents aligned with each other in the direction parallel to thefront face of the first utility module; and the solar array comprising asecond plurality of coupling components, the second plurality ofcoupling components configured to detachably couple with the firstplurality of coupling components of the first utility module.
 16. Amodular system comprising: a first utility module comprising a housingcomprising a top surface, and a first plurality of coupling componentslocated along the top surface; a solar array configured to actuatebetween an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration smallerthan the expanded configuration, the solar array comprising a secondplurality of coupling components, the second plurality of couplingcomponents configured to detachably engage with the first plurality ofcoupling components of the first utility module such that the solararray in the contracted configuration is removeably coupled to the firstutility module; and a second utility module coupled to the first utilitymodule, the second utility module comprising a power tool batteryinterface configured to physically couple with a rechargeable power toolbattery that receives power from the solar array.
 17. The modular systemof claim 16, wherein the first plurality of coupling componentscomprising a front row of at least two coupling components aligned witheach other in a direction parallel to a front face of the first utilitymodule and a rear row of at least two coupling components aligned witheach other in the direction parallel to the front face of the firstutility module.
 18. The modular system of claim 16, the solar arraycomprising a bottom surface and a top surface opposite the bottomsurface when the solar array is in the contracted configuration, thesecond plurality of coupling components extending from the bottomsurface of the solar array.
 19. The modular system of claim 18, thesolar array comprising a third plurality of coupling componentsextending from the top surface of the solar array, the modular systemcomprising a second utility module, the second utility module comprisinga power tool battery interface configured to physically couple with arechargeable power tool battery that receives power from the solar arraywhen the solar array is in the expanded configuration.
 20. The modularsystem of claim 16, the first utility module comprising a battery thatstores electrical energy received from the solar array.